News and Events

FEBRUARY 2015

OURNEWSPONSOREDSTUDENTS

This is the beginning of the school year in Uganda. That means new shoes, uniforms, books and pencils. It also means that we get to introduce the brand new class of Change the Truth Senior 1 sponsored students! Each of these children is special in so many ways. Despite huge obstacles, they have worked hard to attain a sponsorship and have promised to work hard to maintain it. We are so proud of and hopeful for Alpha, Shine, Mesearch and Alfonso!

DECEMBER 2014

CONGRATULATIONS, NELSON!

Along with Billy, sponsored student Nelson will graduate from Makerere University next month. Nelson’s degree will be in Computer Science.

In a recent email, Nelson wrote, “Born as a nobody, very soon I will be somebody flying that black graduation hat in the air.”

Following his last exam this past June, our industrious and talented young friend worked with AidData.org for three months, helping with geo-coding and analysis. Once that internship expired, Nelson began working as an intern doing Microsoft SharePoint development for ACTS, a Florida based company. He spends his spare time working on his start-up company, Sodzo Limited and as a Research Assistant at Makerere in the Artificial Intelligence Development Research Group.

Regarding life after college, Nelson wrote, “I thought leaving college would avail me with enough time to sleep, watch football or visit friends, but NO. Maybe I was wrong. Waking up at 6:30 AM and going to sleep at 1:00 AM has been my daily routine since I finished classes in June. Trust me, if you’re in college, there is plenty of time to waste – more than in the real world.”

Those of us who know Nelson know how determined and focused he is. Once he sets his mind to something, he is halfway there. We are so proud of his accomplishments, which have included two trips to the US to present research findings. We have no doubt that Nelson, who has been sponsored by CTT since secondary school, will fly very high after graduation, right alongside his graduation cap. In his own words:

“I have worked really hard. When I finish college, I should get high pay. In the real world, payment is commensurate with skill.”

We’ll keep cheering you on, Big Nels. And we couldn’t be more happy for you. You’re doing what you love, and you are succeeding on every level. Bravo!

NOVEMBER 2014

SUCCESSSTORY!

Sponsored student Billy is scheduled to graduate from Makerere University in January 2015. Billy is excited to share that he has been offered a job with Zane Technology Engineers to begin upon his graduation. Zane was the company where Billy recently completed an Internship. They were so impressed with his job performance that they offered him a job. Billy’s position would be Project Manager working on a contract assisting to implement irrigation schemes in Northern and Eastern Uganda. He is currently working on obtaining his passport and driver’s permit, as each will be required for his job.

This is huge.

Yay, Billy! We at CTT could not feel more proud.

AUGUST 2014

COFFEEANYONE?

We love our business sponsors! Bird Rock Coffee in La Jolla, California donates $1.00 to CTT for every pound of Ugandan coffee sold in their shop. We just received a check for $600! That’s a lot of coffee. And a lot of support for our kids. Bird Rock rocks! Show them some love if you find yourself in La Jolla.

JUNE 2014

MCGILLUNIVERSITYSTUDENTHEADED TO SMK

Maddee is currently studying Microbiology and Immunology and International Development at McGill University in the great city of Montreal. She is headed to SMK soon! There she plans to work with the older kids, conducting workshops having to do with violence prevention and good health. “I’m really looking forward to meeting the youth at SMK and spending time learning about all the wonderful things they’re doing there! I’ve never been to Uganda so I’m excited to adventure and experience the country.”

ALLSMILES!

During his Primary 7 year, Muzungu Wyclife fell off of the top deck of his bunk bed while suffering an illness. As a result of the fall, three of his front teeth were permanently knocked out. Ever since, he has been extremely self-conscious of his mouth, limiting his smiles and conversations out of embarrassment. The last time his sponsor, Trudy, visited SMK she and Wyclife had an honest discussion about how his teeth loss has affected his social interactions and his self-esteem. Trudy decided to provide financial assistance for Wyclife and his dental repairs.

Melissa reports that she has never seen Wyclife so overjoyed. What a great gift his sponsor has given him.

This photo was taken last week on the day he received his bridge – just one of many dentist appointments that began back in April. Wyclife had to undergo three extractions, five fillings and an emergency root canal, and he developed a bad infection. He feels it was all worth it, though, and he’s grateful to Trudy for all she has provided him. It will be great to watch him really blossom now!

HOLIDAYENRICHMENTPROGRAM

Thanks to a renewed grant from The Good People Fund, the CTT Holiday Enrichment Program continues at St. Mary Kevin. While on break from school, our secondary students will receive computer training and tutoring in Math, Chemistry, Physics, English and Biology. New this year to the program, thanks to our CTT Liaison, will be Career Exploration and Guidance.

PHOTOGRAPHERSVISITSMK

Jackie Heigle teaches photography at Middle Tennessee State University. She, along with two of her students Rebecca Poole and Elizabeth Ormand, just returned from a two-week trip to SMK. They worked with the children in the areas of photography and dance and had an amazing time doing so.

MAY 2014

TEAM 8 FORMS

Team 8 will travel to SMK in December. Plans are already underway for the group, most of which is comprised of volunteers who have made the trip before. Team 8 will consist of these fantastic CTT friends: Suzanne Garr (Milwaukee), Molly Protz (Milwaukee), Holly Cobb (Topeka), Anna Cobb (Topeka), Wyatt Cobb (Topeka), Avis Smith (Kansas City), Dawn Taylor (Kansas City) and Emily Biegelsen (Kansas City). The fearless leader of this team will be Natalie Boten (Kansas City), pictured below giving one of her signature hugs. This will be her third visit to SMK.

MARCH 2014

ANNUALFRIENDRAISER/FUNDRAISER BIGSUCCESS

Our 6th Annual Friendraiser/Fundraiser took place at Boulevard Brewery this year. Everyone agreed it was a wonderful new venue for us. Great fun was had by all as we enjoyed SPIN! Pizza and gelato, were entertained by the talented dancers and drummers from the Traditional Music Society, consumed Boulevard beer, watched Lynne Melcher’s new film about SMK and bid on lots of great artwork by the children. This was the first year we sold tickets to the event, and still we managed to have a great turnout. The love and support for our kids just keeps growing and spreading. Thanks to all who joined us for this successful and fun event. We are happy to report we achieved our goal of $40,000!

FEBRUARY 2014

AidChild GALLERYTAKES ON SMKARTISTS

A small group of our most talented young artists from SMK now have their work hanging in a gallery called AidChild, which is located at the equator in Uganda. All of the work exhibited there is by African artists. Most of the gallery’s clients are tourists, stopping in the area to take pictures at the equator sign, have lunch and shop at the many craft shops that line that section of the road. AidChild donates a huge chunk of their sales to organizations that assist some of the 2.5 million orphans living in Uganda. When I was there last August, I suggested to the manager that she take a look at the work being made by some of our artists from SMK. The manager and rest of the staff loved it, and now that very work has been stretched, delivered and installed on the walls on the AidChild Gallery. Our young artists are starting to going places!

SMK Artists Willy, Brian and Nicky pose with the gallery manager

JANUARY 2014

NEWSTUDENTS

Five students have qualified for a Change the Truth scholarship! These five newly sponsored children will begin their studies in secondary school with new uniforms and shoes, books, hygiene supplies, a mattress, sheets and blanket and everything else they need to move into their dormitories. The five hard working students who met the criteria for sponsorship are (from left to right) Oscar, Rodrick, Beatrice, Tina and Lillian. Congratulations to all!

DECEMBER 2013

TEAM 7 LEAVESFORUGANDA

Five hundred pounds of goodies have been gathered and carefully loaded into duffel bags. Sunscreen, hats, journals, cameras and sturdy walking shoes have been packed into suitcases, and ten travelers are now waiting eagerly for their flights to depart for Uganda. Team 7 is ready to hit the road sky. Leaders Jennifer Smith and Jeff Mildner, alongside Melissa, have already spent countless hours planning and organizing the trip. Team members Cynthia Bittenfield, Josh and Jane Sosland, Max, Leah and Sam Sosland, Dawn Taylor and Emily Biegelsen are counting the hours until they arrive at the Entebbe airport. There they will be greeted by some adoring and appreciative children. And before they know it, their days will be filled with computer and photography classes, reading groups, yoga, music, dance and much hugging, laughter and hand holding. Bon voyage, Team 7! Follow their journey on Gloria’s Blog

SEPTEMBER 2013

HAMBURGERMARY’S FUNDRAISER

It’s not your grandmother’s bingo. Hamburger Mary’s knows how to do irreverent and whacky number calling, serve up good food and make a fundraiser a ton of fun. On September 28th, friends of CTT showed their support by playing bingo (and collecting cool prizes from Ugandan craft markets) and participating in a 50/50 raffle. Everyone had a lot of fun, and we raised $1825.00. That’s more than enough to send a deserving child to secondary school for 1½ years!

AUGUST 2013

VISIT TO SMK

Natalie (Team 6), Lynne (Team 1, 2 and 5) and Gloria traveled to SMK during the children’s school holiday. Lynne worked on the documentary that will be shown at the next CTT Annual Friendraiser/Fundraiser (March, 2014), Natalie did everything from hand holding to leading field trips, and Gloria taught photography and held meetings with SMK administration. All three had a wonderful time reuniting with the children who have grown to mean so much to them. Natalie is pictured here with a group of students she took to the Parliament building in Kampala.

JULY 2013

STRINGSFORUGANDA

“Strings for Uganda” is a group of four wonderfully talented and caring people: Lindsey, Nick, Hannah and Amaya. They will be traveling to St. Mary Kevin in August. Once on the ground, they will begin a series of violin lessons, further broadening the world of music for our children at the orphanage. This could be a life changing experience for some of our kids… the beginning of something they never could have imagined being able to tap into! Just think about how far our trumpet and sax players, our keyboard and guitar players, our drummers and trombonists have come – and how learning to read and play music has transformed their lives in countless ways.

JUNE 2013

MELISSAANDANTWAINVISIT!

Melissa and her son, Antwain, returned from Uganda to visit family and friends. While in Kansas City, Melissa had the opportunity to attend a scheduled CTT board meeting and provide an update on operations at SMK.

MAY 2013

FUNDRAISINGFUN

A very fun and successful mini CTT Fundraiser was held on May 30th at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Leawood, Kansas. Organized by Jennifer Smith and Jeff Mildner, the event exposed lots of new folks to CTT and brought in just under $3,000! We had a silent auction, a 50/50 cash raffle and Gordon Biersch generously donated $1 from every beer sold to our cause. Thank you, Gordon Biersch, for hosting this event and for becoming a good new friend to CTT. We were told it was the best non-profit event they’d ever hosted, and they look forward to working with us again!

SMKGETS A NEWKITCHEN

The kitchen at St. Mary Kevin’s used to be a smokin’ place to hang out in. Literally!

It was actually one of my favorite places to photograph. The smoke that rose up from the pots, combined with the smoke from the burning wood below made for some powerful visuals. But, after three or four minutes in there, I would have to run outside for a gasp of clean air… tears streaming down my face from the sting of the smoke. I never could figure out how the cooks and the kids stayed in the there for so long. With the smoke and the risk of burns, it was a place in need of help.

Now, thanks to Change the Truth donors, the kitchen has been transformed. It is a smoke-free place that is safer and much more efficient.

Little by little, the truth is changing for our beloved children. The truth is now, they have a safe, clean place to go to get their meals.

Mama Gloria

APRIL 2013

TEAM 7 IS NOWFORMING; LEADERSAREANNOUNCED

Jeff Mildner and Jennifer Smith will be the leaders of Change the Truth’s Team 7 trip to Uganda this December! This will be the couple’s third trip to St. Mary Kevin Orphanage.

Jennifer and Jeff pictured here with their sponsored student, Scovia

When they’re not traveling to SMK and other exotic places, here’s what they do:

Jeff works for a business solutions company in Lenexa, Kansas. He is a former social studies teacher, coach, and school district IT director. Jennifer is in her 18th year of teaching (and was recently named Blue Valley School District “Teacher of the Year”). She currently teaches 8th graders American history. Jenn and Jeff are avid sports fans cheering on the Kansas City Royals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jeff has completed several marathons (including a 100K – yes you read that right…100!). Jennifer enjoys reading and cooking. They will celebrate their 17th wedding anniversary in December.

Not only have these two humanitarians traveled to SMK twice already, they are actively involved in practically everything CTT does. They are the volunteers behind the successful silent auctions we’ve had at our past two annual fundraisers. They have spoken about CTT at their church, they have rounded up laptops galore for the SMK computer lab and they even sponsor one of our secondary school students. These two are committed to the children at the orphanage in very big ways. We are lucky to have Jenn and Jeff in our corner.

Contact Gloria if you want more information about the trip. Jenn and Jeff would love to have you join them!

NOVEMBER, 2012

SEATTLEFUNDRAISER

Nearly 50 CTT friends, new and old, gathered at a cool spot called Ten Degrees to learn more about our work in Uganda and to meet Rosemary and Joseph Kavulu. The directors of SMK were in Seattle visiting their son, Patrick, and his family. The evening was warm and full of good vibes as our Pacific Northwest supporters watched the CTT documentary “Changing the Truth” and listened as the Kavulus spoke about the history, present and future of the orphanage. It was a lovely evening. Thank you, Seattle friends, for being so gracious and generous!

TEAM 6 TO BE LED BY SUZANNEGARR

CTT is incredibly lucky to have yet another fantastic group of volunteers heading to SMK. In mid-December, Team 6 will make its way to the Pearl of Africa. All the members of Team 6 will be first-timers, with the exception of Suzanne, who will in fact be the team leader. Suzanne went to Uganda with Teams 4 and 5 and is excited to be returning! She will help guide the others during their journey and will provide all sorts of assistance, logistical information and emotional support when needed. Suzanne’s team will include: Josh Sosland, his daughter Leah Sosland, Natalie Boten, Jennifer Schoenwetter and Holly Cobb and her daughter Anna Cobb. You’ll be able to read posts from Team 6 on Gloria’s blog. Be sure to tune in!

OCTOBER, 2012

TOMAND RANDY’S GARDEN

Great news! An anonymous donor has made it possible for a huge new garden to be walled off and planted on the grounds of the orphanage. This will be the largest garden at SMK and will provide a continuous harvest of healthy fruits and vegetables for the children. Gardening skills will be taught to the Primary 6 students, who will then help care for the land and its crops. The garden will be named for Tom and Randy, two of CTT’s beloved friends who traveled to SMK in 2008 as members of Team 2, and will be dedicated in December.

SEPTEMBER, 2012

GLORIAANDBOBBIE AT SMK

This fall CTT’s director traveled to Uganda with a very special guest! Her sister, Bobbie Baker, traveled to SMK for the first time. The two women had a wonderful visit with the children. There were art classes, reading groups, yoga classes, some dancing, a lot of music and laughter, secondary school visits, some swimming and much hugging/hand holding. Bobbie, a longtime supporter of CTT, was captivated by the kids and was glad to finally have a chance to meet the children she’s been hearing about for years. Gloria was able to spend lots of one-on-one time with kids, with Melissa and with members of the SMK administration. It was a successful trip all around!

AUGUST, 2012

SECONDANNIVERSAYFORCTT/SMK LIAISON-SOCIALWORKER

This month marks the second anniversary of Melissa Mosher’s placement at SMK as social worker/liaison. It’s hard to believe she and her son Antwain and have been living in Uganda for so long! Melissa has done a terrific job for Change the Truth. Among many other things, she makes sure the sponsored secondary, vocational and university students are on the right track, equipped with everything they need to succeed. She provides a safe place for orphans who need a shoulder to cry on and a comfortable space for children who just need some extra tender loving care. Mel’s job description includes everything from providing monthly updates on all CTT funded projects to helping lead volunteer teams (which she will do this coming December). CTT could not be luckier to Melissa in its corner. She makes everything run much more smoothly and efficiently. Mel, we couldn’t do this good work with you!

JULY, 2012

TEAM 4 MEMBERSRETURN TO UGANDA

Jennifer Smith and Jeff Mildner, members of Team 4 in 2010, traveled back to Uganda on their own in July. Not only did they get to renew old friendships with the children they met on their previous trip, they were able to spend some time teaching in the classroom. They spent a great deal of time reorganizing the books in orphanages’s library. They donated an additional laptop to the computer lab and held some computer training classes. Jennifer and Jeff conducted classroom observations and did assessments of students who have been performing poorly in school. Finally, they were able to accompany Melissa on secondary school visitation days and got to see the campuses of Taibah, St. Charles, Kajjansi Progressive and Makerere University. Needless to say, they were treated to enthusiastic tours at all these schools, because it was the proud CTT sponsored students who showed them around. Jennifer and Jeff even had time for an exciting side trip to Murchison Falls. They had a wonderful time!

Jennifer and Jeff with sponsored student, Rosette

JUNE, 2012

5th ANNUALFRIENDRAISER/FUNDRAISER SERIOUSLYFUNANDSERIOUSLYSUCCESSFUL!

Thanks to you, friends of CTT, we were able to raise $45,000 at this year’s annual event! These funds will go a long way toward improving the lives of the children at St. Mary Kevin and providing academic scholarships for the secondary, vocational and university students. Each year our attendance increases. It is so encouraging to know more and more people are learning about and supporting the work of Change the Truth. We’ve come a long way in five short years.

MAY, 2012

NEWYORKEXHIBITIONANDFUNDRAISER

The Mayson Gallery (254 Broome Street) in New York City held an exhibition of photographs by Gloria Baker Feinstein as well as paintings by some of the children at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage. A cocktail reception was held Tuesday, May 8. Money raised will go to support Change the Truth.

FEBRUARY, 2012

NEWSPONSOREDSTUDENTS

These recent primary school graduates are very excited and proud to have been given the opportunity to continue their education at high quality secondary schools (equivalent to high school in the US). All of these young people did well in primary school and show a lot of promise for the future. All but one are full orphans (have lost both parents) and have established themselves as engaged and enthusiastic friends of Change the Truth. In fact, this is the first year ever that each Senior 1 student has an individual sponsor. This means that certain CTT donors have made commitments to pay the school fees for these specific children. It’s quite an honor for these kids, not to mention an incredible opportunity.

Congratulations to these smart, deserving, hard-working and lovely young people. They start school next week, and everyone at CTT wishes them well!

(back row from left to right) Evalyn Issy Francis Rebecca Skovia

(front row) Claire Faith

[Thanks to Melissa for the great photo.]

JANUARY, 2012

TEAM 5: ON THEGROUND AT SMK

Team 5 had an unforgettable experience in Uganda! We were the largest team yet, and we accomplished a lot. Most significant, however, was the deepening of old friendships and the development of new ones. The children at the orphanage have come to rely on our visits, and they were not disappointed this year. It was an exceptionally friendly and outgoing team; everyone reached out to and connected with lots of kids on many different levels.

There was much music, dancing and laughter. There was yoga, art and reading. There were lots of long walks, visits to the beach, soccer matches and card games. Each member of Team 5 now has pictures in their heads and on their hard drives to enjoy for a lifetime. And the children at SMK have even more friends now – people who will think about them every single day.

DECEMBER, 2011

TEAM 5 PREPARES TO LEAVEFORUGANDA!

A group of volunteers will soon be traveling to St. Mary Kevin Orphanage. We will be loaded down with 450 pounds of goodies such as clothing, pen pal letters, puzzles, art supplies, decks of cards, hand-made Christmas gifts, medical supplies, school supplies, toothbrushes/toothpaste, cameras and soccer balls. Team 5 will travel for 26 grueling hours before falling into the open arms and hearing the cheers of the orphaned children. Team 5 is: Lynne Melcher (filmmaker) who is making her third trip to SMK; Bobbi Newman (yoga teacher) who is making her fourth trip; Shane Evans (artist, musician, writer) who is going to SMK for the first time; Suzanne Garr (photographer, yoga teacher) who will be traveling to Uganda for her second time; Michelle and J. Leroy Beasley (artists) who are going for the first time; Avis Smith (therapist) who is making her second trip there; Dawn Taylor (artist, athlete, general cheerleader) who’s making the journey for the first time; Monique Udo (musician and teacher) who’s going for the second time; and Gloria Baker Feinstein, who will be setting foot on Ugandan soil for the sixth time. We all consider ourselves quite lucky and are very, very excited! We hope you will follow along with us as we blog about our adventure.

NOVEMBER, 2011

MILWAUKEEAREAFUNDRAISER

Team 4 and 5 member Suzanne Garr recently held a very successful exhibition/ Change the Truth Fundraiser at Marian Gallery, Mt. Mary College in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Suzanne celebrated the children from the orphanage with an installation of some of the beautiful photographs she made in 2010, screening the Change the Truth documentary (made by Lynne Melcher), selling crafts from Uganda and showing/selling artwork made by the children. All the proceeds from Suzanne’s efforts will go directly to CTT and then back to the very children she honored.

OCTOBER, 2011

SEEINGCLEARLY

Change the Truth recently paid for eye examinations for sponsored students who have been struggling with their vision. Now we have purchased glasses for those who need them. Here is Rachel, one of our sponsored students, showing off her new look (literally!).

AUGUST, 2011

MUCHADOABOUTMUSIC AT SMK

Monique, who hails from the Netherlands, is just about to complete her month-long volunteer stint at the orphanage. She has worked very hard teaching the children how to read music and how to play the new instruments recently purchased by CTT. She, working alongside music teacher Ivan, seems to have worked music miracles this past month in Kajjansi. We know the children have loved having her become part of their lives and will be sorry to see her go.

JUNE, 2011

4th ANNUALFUNDRAISER

Thanks to all of you who attended our 4th Annual Friendraiser/Fundraiser! It was a fantastic evening, filled with wonderful art, African dancing, a new movie about CTT, food and drink, African market shopping, a silent and live auction, familiar faces and lots of new friends. Nearly 400 people of all ages gathered at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center to show their support of the Ugandan children whose lives we are helping to change.

The success of the evening was due to the young artists from the orphanage, the KC area artists who participated in the “Doll Project”, a generous crew of volunteers and, of course, those of you who opened your wallets to make purchases.

Every doll sold! Successful bids ranged from $50 to $1300. The paintings by the children all sold, as well. Their work received rave reviews. Just about everyone noticed that the creative talents of the children have greatly improved.

MARCH, 2011

CARTWHEELFOR A CAUSEAND AN ANONYMOUSDONATION

Bobbie Baker, sister of CTT founder Gloria, created a one-minute video about CTT and entered it in a competition sponsored by the Verity Credit Union in Seattle. The first place prize was $5,000. Unfortunately, the video did not win. A few days after this (sad) news was announced, a kind soul from Kansas City made an anonymous donation to CTT for $5,000. It was a total surprise and completely unexpected. That’s what we call “making lemonade out of lemons”!

FEBRUARY, 2011

NEWSPONSOREDSTUDENTS

Congratulations are in order! There are five new students who have been given Change the Truth school scholarships. These five graduated from Primary 7 in November and have now been given the school fees required to begin Senior 1. Three have individual sponsors. The generous donors providing these scholarships are to be congratulated for providing a life-changing opportunity to a child who wants nothing more than to be able to go to school. The happy students are (from left to right): Ivan, Brian, Caleb, Anthony and Sanday.

This brings our total number of sponsored students to 27. And three recent sponsored secondary school grads (Isabella, Nelson and Billy) are waiting to hear about acceptance into University.

DECEMBER, 2010

CTTRECEIVESANOTHERGRANTFROMTHEGOODPEOPLEFUND

Change the Truth has received a generous grant from The Good People Fund! This is the second year in a row we have been the fortunate recipient of funds from this wonderful organization. Last year their grant was earmarked for a brand new laptop computer, some software, several thumb drives and a printer for the computer lab at the orphanage. This year, the money received will be used to establish a library of academic textbooks for the primary school-aged children.

SEPTEMBER, 2010

MELISSAMOSHERBEGINSWORK AT ST. MARYKEVIN’S

A Huge Step Forward for Change the Truth

Melissa Mosher and her son, Atwain, arrived in Uganda a week ago to begin her job as social worker and liaison between St. Mary Kevin Orphanage and CTT. Melissa’s job description includes, among other things:

Providing emotional support, love and care for the orphans.

Planning and overseeing the use of CTT funds for sponsorships and various projects.

Providing school selection advice and career guidance for students ready to enter high school.

Insuring that all orphans are adequately provided with beds, bedding and clothing, adequate medical care, a nutritional/balanced diet and hygiene materials.

Helping to identify additional CTT project opportunities.

MAY, 2010

BIRDROCKCOFFEEROASTERSROCK!

Team 2 members Tom and Randy frequent a small, locally-owned coffee shop/roasters in La Jolla, California that is owned by a very generous soul, Chuck. After hearing about the kids at the orphanage, Chuck decided to seek out a special Ugandan blend – a dark roasted coffee bean called Bugisu – and to donate $1.00 to CTT for every pound sold. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters are committed to buying coffee beans in a socially responsible manner while they remain dedicated to giving to those in need. If you find yourself in La Jolla, please stop in and tell Chuck that you, like him, are a friend of the children at SMK. And buy a pound or two of Uganda coffee!

APRIL, 2010

Eight new bunk beds, mattresses and sets of bed covers have been provided for the older boys at the orphanage.

FEBRUARY, 2010

LOOKINGGOOD!

CTT has purchased uniforms for the St. Mary Kevin Marching Band.

DECEMBER, 2009

Funds raised in La Jolla will go toward the purchase of new mosquito nets for all the childrens’ beds. These will be installed by Team 3. Other Team 3 projects will include book clubs, gardening, art projects, group therapy, collection of the children’s life stories, computer lab updates and computer instruction and distribution of Christmas gifts to the children.

NOVEMBER, 2009

CTTRECEIVESGRANTFROMTHEGOODPEOPLEFUND

Change the Truth has been awarded a grant from the “Good People Fund.” The money was earmarked for the purchase of a brand new laptop, some software, several thumb drives and a printer for the computer lab at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage.

NOVEMBER, 2009

KUTUUKAREVIEWED IN PHOTO-EYENEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER, 2009

L.A. FILMFESTIVALANDSANDIEGOFUNDRAISER

The most recent documentary about our work, “Changing the Truth” by Lynne Melcher (board member and participant in the Team 1 and Team 2 trips to Uganda) was accepted into the FILMANTHROPYFILMFESTIVAL in Los Angeles. The festival featureded six short films and three longer ones about philanthrpoic work being done by not-for-profits. Hundred of films were submitted; this is quite an honor for Lynne and a wonderful opportunity for us to spread the word about Change the Truth to people on the west coast.

Speaking of the west coast, Team 2 volunteers Tom Maddox and Randy Clark’s friend MJ generously hosted a San Diego fundraiser for CTT. Tom and Randy spoke to the group about their experiences at the orphanage, showed Lynne’s video and sold beaded jewelry. Thanks to our new wonderful new San Diego supporters, $1800.00 was raised for the kids at St. Mary Kevin’s!

DECEMBER, 2008

CTTFOUNDERRECEIVESAWARD

For her work with Change the Truth, Gloria Baker Feinstein was given the Bodhisattva Award at the 23rd annual World Peace Meditation at the Rime Buddhist Center in Kansas City, MIssouri. The award is given to an individual who works to benefit others.

TEAM 2: MISSIONACCOMPLISHED!

During December, the eleven members of Team 2 worked hard at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage and accomplished the following: a garden was designed and planted on the grounds of the orphanage, and a team of kids learned how to cultivate it and tend it. Practically every child received a medical checkup and good advice on healthy African living. Many children spent time in therapy, visiting their painful pasts, but also learning to place an emphasis on where they are now in tandem with hope for the future. Children were given the opportunity just to be children – learning to play Go Fish, Sorry and Twister and competing in friendly games of basketball, volleyball and soccer. Their dorms were given a fresh coat of paint, and their beds were outfitted with comfy new mattresses and colorful, warm blankets. A marching band evolved before our very eyes as we equipped the children with trombones, bugles and drums. (Once the musicians/marchers are ready for prime time, the band will be able fetch up to $100 US per performance.) A couple of faulty, old computers were repaired. A lot of wonderful art was made. Old friendships between CTT team members and the children were deepened, and new connections were made. The best news of all is that the children are markedly improved since our trip last year. They are better fed, more hopeful, happier and more focused than ever on their education.

TENTHOUSANDVILLAGESRAISESFUNDSFORCHANGETHETRUTH

On December 2nd, from 5 to 8 PM, anything purchased at the non-profit fair trade store, 10,000 Villages in Overland Park, Kansas, will ultimately help the children at St. Mary Kevin’s. Please do your holiday shopping on the 2nd and join us as we benefit unemployed and underemployed artisans from over thirty developing nations, as well as the orphans on Uganda. 10% of all sales will go directly to Change the Truth. 10,000 Villages is located at 7949 Santa Fe Drive in old Overland Park.

NOVEMBER, 2008

CTTPURCHASESRAINWATERCOLLECTIONTANKFORGARDEN AT SMK

OCTOBER, 2008

MAIZEMILL

Thanks to the tremendous number of generous donations we have received lately, we have been able to send the funds necessary for the purchase of a new motor for the maize mill. This will enable the orphanage to produce a large percentage of its own corn meal, which in turn is made into porridge for the children (as well as providing food for the pigs that are being raised on the grounds.)

SEPTEMBER, 2008

NEWYORKFUNDRAISER

A very successful fundraiser was held at the Core Club in mid-town Manhatten on September 8th. A generous donor provided the venue, the food and drink. About sixty-five new and old friends from the New York area attended the event, the centerpiece of which was the screening of Lynne’s documentary about our 2007 mission trip. We even found three people who have made the decision to join us on our next trip to the orphanage! Pictured here are Lynne, Gloria and board member Carol Joseph.

AUGUST, 2008

CHANGETHETRUTHPURCHASES A MOTORCYCLEFORTHEORPHANAGE

St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Motherhood became the proud owner of a brand spanking new motorcycle, thanks to generous donations made by CTT supporters. The motorcycle will be used as a “taxi” to generate daily income. It will also come in handy for trips to the market and the medical clinic. Prior to this, St. Mary Kevin’s did not have a motor vehicle at all.

DECEMBER, 2007

MONTHLYFOODSTIPEND

One of the most startling truths we learned on our mission trip is that from day to day, the availabilty of food is a challenge. CTT now places a larger empahsis on raising funds to specifically address this issue. If you would like to earmark your donation for the purchase of food, please do so. It’s hard for a child to do anything productive during the day if his or her stomach is empty. To make matters worse, food costs continue to rise sharply. We have now begun sending a monthly stipend that is designated for the purchase of food for the orphans. More recently, we have begin sending a monthly fee for the employment of a nurse. She checks in on the children on a regular part-time basis and provide medications when needed.

SCHOOLFEEASSISTANCE

The main goal of Change the Truth is to change lives by providing an education for those children who could not otherwise afford the tuition and materials required for secondary school (our equivalent of high school). CTT is currently assisting the following students with these fees. Henry and Emma Vincent are featured in our video, by the way!

The secondary school fees are US $95 per term; there are three terms per year. There are other expenses, as well, including books, uniforms, transportation and in the case of the girls, boarding fees.

APRIL, 2007

BRICK-MAKINGPROJECT

The first major project CTT funded, other than providing school fee assistance, was the construction of a brick-making facility on the grounds of the orphanage. The funds CTT granted enabled St. Mary Kevin’s to purchase everything from cement, eucalyptus poles, nails, raw clay material, a pavers machine and a half-brick machine to a ventilation system and brick molds. The beauty of providing this to the children is that the vocational skills learned empowers the kids, and the income generated from the sale of the bricks helps the orphanage tremendously.